EDUCATION > FGA Diploma (U.K.)

Objective: At the end of the training course, participants will be able to positively identify the nature and attributes of gems and ornamental materials; factors which influence the value of a stone: beauty, durability, rarity; acceptability. Earth¡¯s physical activity.

Content:

  • The nature of gem materials, their origins and occurrence chemical and biologically-derived components of gem materials.
  • Structure and properties of gem materials
    • Atomic-scale structure, electrons and chemical bonding.
    • The crystalline state and crystalline materials.
    • Crystal structures in terms of chemical bonding.
    • Structural isomorphism: ¡®isomorphous substitution¡¯
    • Crystalline polymorphism.
  • Colour in gem materials
    • Colour and its causes in gem materials; luminescence; diamond types. Physical optics; optical phenomena that affect light.

  • Optical properties; advanced uses in gem testing
  • The electromagnetic spectrum; uses in gem testing; the visible spectrum and the spectroscope
    • The electromagnetic spectrum.
    • Optical spectroscopy.
    • Gem testing techniques employed in gemological laboratories; X-ray, infrared, ultraviolet and advanced techniques.
  • Non-optical properties; testing techniques
  • Specific gravity
    • Accurate specific gravity measurement for gem testing, use of high density liquids.
  • Magnification techniques; internal and external features
    • External features; internal features and the study of inclusions, in rough and fashioned natural, artificial, treated and imitation gem materials.
  • Artificial, composite and imitation (stimulant) gem materials
  • Treated gem materials and methods of treatment
    • Details of methods of treatment in addition to those in the foundation syllabus: heat treatment and surface diffusion; irradiation and annealing; HPHT diamond treatment. Disadvantages and advantages of treatment of enhancement.
  • Description of gem materials of inorganic origin
  • Description of gem materials of organic origin

    • Duration : One year (part time)

    Course fee : S$7500.00 (course materials provided)

    Language : English and Mandarin

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